Biodiversity in wetlands: an introduction.

Realization of the rapid loss of species due to habitat destruction has brought into focus the multiple dimensions of biodiversity and led to the Convention on Biological Diversity. The biodiversity of inland aquatic ecosystems has just started receiving some attention. Wetlands whose conservation and wise use has been promoted by the Ramsar Convention since 1971, are among the most threatened ecosystems because they are directly destroyed as well as bear the impacts of all anthropogenic activities in their watershed. Many of the well-known wetland values are related to their biodiversity. Yet, our understanding of their biodiversity is very poor. This introductory chapter elaborates the background of the book and sets the stage for discussion of various issues concerning the biodiversity in wetlands.